Audit Challenge 2016, 21. Juni:

CAEs looking to enhance the technology-related capabilities of their internal audit groups should take a close look at the results of the 2015 TeamMate Internal Audit Technology Survey (IATS), which focuses on Technology Champions, and the insights stemming from those results. In its global survey of internal audit functions, TeamMate found that having a Technology Champion on staff is a leading practice that can significantly enhance internal audit performance. Of the more than 400 internal audit groups around the world taking part in the 2015 survey, nearly 250 indicated that they have Technology Champions, and of this total, nearly nine in 10 report achieving real and tangible value from the position. In addition, 36 percent of responding organizations with Technology Champions indicate that their TC is viewed as a strategic player and a key member of internal audit management. Survey results also indicate that internal audit functions with Technology Champions tend to employ continuous monitoring at a much higher rate and make more extensive use of data mining, clear indicators that their organizations have achieved a higher level of technology maturity. They also tend to have larger, and more formal, technology budgets. Given the results of TeamMate’s 2015 IATS, internal audit organizations without a Technology Champion should explore how they, too, could benefit from adding the position. And for internal audit functions with TCs, the fact that 82% of the individuals serving in this position expect to continue in this capacity suggests the need for chief audit executives to update TC job descriptions and expectations on an ongoing basis to ensure continued development of both the individual and the department. A suggested approach: Tailor TC responsibilities to your changing needs and modify your expectations of the position accordingly.

Claudio has been working in Internal and External Audit since 1991 and has practiced all over the world. In his current strategic market development role for TeamMate, software that helps improve every aspect of the audit process, Claudio helps ensure the software continues to directly address the changing needs of the audit profession and helps audit departments of all sizes find ways to manage their organization’s internal audit process more efficiently and effectively.

Based out of The Netherlands, Claudio has been supporting TeamMate since June, 2015. Prior to that, Claudio has been working as an internal auditor in various capacities, up to and including CAE, since 1996. Claudio’s most recent work as an internal auditor was also in The Netherlands, running the EMEA internal audit function for Activision Blizzard. Previously Claudio worked with OmniVision, eBay/PayPal and Hewlett Packard within their internal audit functions. Prior to that, Claudio began his accounting and audit career with Deloitte and Touche in the Vancouver, Canada offices in 1991.